COREESPONDENCE. 225 



spring billets, to the mouth-rings of any bit 

 in use, snaJffle or Pelham ; but I believe that a 

 horse can, if determined, rear all the same, 

 and it certainly would not prevent plunging or 

 bucking. For a restive or jibbing horse in 

 saddle I have always found a short running 

 martingale very useful; the rider should 

 shorten and lower the right rein well down the 

 horse's shoulder, apply the right leg and spur 

 sharply, and turn the horse round like a 

 teetotum until he is dizzy, then give him both 

 spurs when his head is in the right direction. 

 This will set him going before he knows 

 where he is, and is a practice I have found 

 very efficacious, but not easily applicable by 

 ladies. 



On the subject of bits, my own favourite is 

 the Hanoverian Pelham ; it will generally hold 

 the strongest puller, and, with a light hand, I 

 have never met a horse that would not face it. 

 For show or park riding there is none 

 better ; it is, however, not suited to those who 

 trust to the bridle-reins for their balance in 

 the saddle. 



*'Eques" inquires "what is the average 



15 



